Ask Me Another

By NPR

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A Podcast Republic user
Jul 16, 2018

Description

Host Ophira Eisenberg and house musician Jonathan Coulton bring the lively spirit of your favorite trivia night right to your ears. Hear hilarious games, puzzles, and music, all played in front of a live audience.

William Jackson Harper shares where he was physically and emotionally when cast on The Good Place. Then New York Times ethics columnist Kwame Anthony Appiah joins in a game about everyday ethics. This episode originally aired on March 16, 2018.

Magician Derek DelGaudio explains pairing storytelling with magic tricks in his off-Broadway show In & Of Itself. Plus, our mystery guest is a Senior Content Insights Manager. What is that? This episode originally aired on March 2, 2018.

Lola Kirke talks about "fake playing" the oboe on Mozart in the Jungle, and portraying one of the only woman conductors on television. Then we challenge her to a game about real and fake operas. This episode originally aired on Feb. 16, 2018.

Darlene Love, the legendary singer and star of the documentary, 20 Feet From Stardom, reflects on her career, and collaborating with artists like Tom Jones and Elvis Presley. Plus, Ophira and Jonathan debut a new game called Fact Bag.

Mary Wiseman, from Star Trek: Discovery, talks about the passion of the fandom, and plays a game inspired by her being the first character in the Star Trek universe to swear. This episode originally aired on Jan. 26, 2018.

Actor Ed Helms talks about his new movie Tag and shares a toothy secret kept from The Office producers. Plus, Rolling Stone critic Rob Sheffield joins for a game about his favorite summer jams. And Jonathan Coulton loses a Tony Award!

Ethan Slater, the titular star of SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical, shares his journey to the Tony-nominated role. The musical's book-writer, Kyle Jarrow, joins Slater for a game about sad songs with an optimistic, spongy twist.

Actor Diane Guerrero talks about working on Orange Is The New Black, and plays a game about celebrity superlatives. Plus, she talks about her new young adult memoir about her family's immigration struggle.

William Jackson Harper shares where he was (physically and emotionally) when he was cast on The Good Place. Then, New York Times ethics columnist Kwame Anthony Appiah joins him in a game about everyday ethics.

Melissa Joan Hart shares what still scared her while remaking the film The Watcher in the Woods, and Amy Seimetz tells us about adapting The Girlfriend Experience into a format-breaking series. This episode originally aired September 29, 2017.

Ask Me Another brings a little bit of Brooklyn to Dallas with special guest Brooklyn Decker — who talks about acting in the Netflix series 'Grace and Frankie,' and then plays a game of two truths and a lie — boy band edition!

In honor of Ask Me Another's fifth anniversary, host Ophira Eisenberg and puzzle guru Art Chung revisit the show's first episode, and check in with actor and author John Hodgman to see how his life has changed since his first appearance.

NPR Music host Bob Boilen talks about the Tiny Desk Contest and winner Gaelynn Lea plays two of her songs. Then naturally the two play a game about things you find in a desk. This Episode originally aired June 3, 2016.

AMA heads to Nashville! NPR Music critic Ann Powers gives us the inside scoop on Music City, musician Martina McBride reveals her songwriting process, and actor Connie Britton plays a game about famous TV moms.

Best known as Hikaru Sulu from Star Trek, the actor, activist and social media sensation talks about Allegiance, the musical inspired by his life, and dramatically reads some especially mundane directions.

Sonia Manzano talks about retiring from her role as Maria on Sesame Street after 44 years. And Emilio Delgado, who plays her TV husband Luis, joins for a game about the lesser-known puppets in the show's past.

In this extended interview from Ask Me Another's show in Orlando, Florida, Mike Rowe talks about everything — from his new podcast, The Way I Heard It, to what he learned from Dirty Jobs about job creation and the skills gap.

Director and actress Rose McGowan joins us at the Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo to talk about how she's challenging the entertainment industry. Plus, Lucasfilm's Andi Gutierrez tells us about the world of Star Wars Twitter parody accounts.

Ahead of the release of Ask Me Another's episode with Hamilton star Leslie Odom Jr., the singer and actor performs a cover of Duncan Sheik's "The Guilty Ones" from Odom's self-titled debut album — with guitarist Robin Macatangay. Tune in on April 21 for the full episode.

Saturday Night Live cast member Taran Killam reveals what it was like working with Donald Trump when he hosted the show last weekend. Plus, Killam explains what goes into the perfect Trump impersonation.

The creators of the cult podcast Welcome to Night Vale reflect on its runaway success and help lead a game about mysterious phenomena...that one should never speak of or acknowledge. This message will now self-destruct.

This week, indie actor Kevin Corrigan talks about working with Martin Scorsese twice over two decades, and playing against type in his new romantic comedy, Results. Plus, a game about celebrity workout tapes.

Soul-pop band Lake Street Dive reveals how it kills time on the tour bus: singing '90s hits, playing songs on balloons and a game called "Guess Butt." Plus, hear some tunes off Bad Self Portraits. This episode originally aired on October 17, 2014.

Get your popcorn ready for a thrilling, action-packed hour, as our V.I.P., Edge of Tomorrow director Doug Liman, shares his formula for making an edgy, mind-blowing blockbuster film. This episode originally aired July 10, 2014.

This week's Very Important Puzzler, designer and potter Jonathan Adler, creates his eye-catching home furnishings much like we aim to design our games — to be colorful, witty and full of joy. This episode originally aired on January 9, 2014.

Coming up this week, we talk with Mad Men creator Matthew Weiner about the end of his landmark TV series, and put him in the puzzle hot seat with a little help from his friends. Hear the entire episode with Matthew Weiner starting May 14th, 2015.

This week, nothing is taboo as we chat with the "Dark Prince of Comedy" Anthony Jeselnik, get snarky about sharks and sing along to a classier version of Sisqo's "Thong Song." This episode originally aired on August 14th, 2014

John Turturro, a regular in films by the Coen Brothers, Spike Lee and explosions-loving Michael Bay, recently hit the director's chair himself. How will the Quiz Show star fare on a real game show? This episode originally aired on May 29, 2014.

Coming up this week we're LIVE from San Francisco with Pixar's Brad Bird. Here he describes being wined and dined all over Paris in search of the best Ratatouille recipe while doing research for his animated feature film.

Food writer, culinary expert and Top Chef judge Gail Simmons dishes on which food trends you should heed and which are oh-so-last-year. Hello poutine, good-bye cakepop! This episode originally aired October 9, 2014.

Revisit a cherished childhood hobby with this week's Very Important Puzzler, LEGO artist Nathan Sawaya, who builds astounding, life-size sculptures out of those magical bricks. This episode originally aired on March 20, 2014.

The creators of the cult podcast Welcome to Night Vale reflect on its runaway success and help lead a game about mysterious phenomena...that one should never speak of or acknowledge. This message will now self-destruct.

Ethan Hawke talks about the challenges of maintaining a successful acting career over several decades... and making a movie over the course of 12 years. The release of 2014's BOYHOOD, nominated for six Oscars (including Best Supporting Actor for Hawke), marked his eighth collaboration with director Richard Linklater. This episode originally aired on November 6, 2014.

Beloved children's author Mo Willems (Don't Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus!) knew he wanted to write at an early age. In this bonus clip, our VIP goes back to his own childhood and recounts a well-intentioned letter he sent to his hero, Charles Schulz.

Calling all Knuffle Bunnies: Children's author Mo Willems wants his books to be "played," not read, and recalls how a botched job interview landed him on Sesame Street. Plus House-Musician Joanthan Coulton plays a cry-along "Cat's In The Cradle" game.

Decode devious anagrams with novelist and word whiz Meg Wolitzer. The author of THE INTERESTINGS talks about the challenges in writing her first young adult novel BELZHAR and her own adolescent journaling habits. And speaking of young adults, toast your favorite mock-tails in a music game called THE TEETOTALLER'S PLAYLIST.

Put on some makeup and a wig with John Cameron Mitchell, who recently took over the leading role in his one man show - turned - cult hit film - turned - Broadway smash hit, Hedwig And The Angry Inch (which won the 2014 Tony Award for Best Musical Revival). Plus, former contestants return to try and redeem themselves in this "second chances" show (Rebroadcast, Episode 327).

Grab a Corpse Reviver and perform a Shining Wizard with your Thimblerigger (Why do the names of cocktails, wrestling moves, and old-timey occupations sound so alike?). Then get loud with North Carolina local John Darnielle of The Mountain Goats as he explores the heart of death metal.

(Rebroadcast) Brush up on your British slang with Andy Serkis (Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, The Lord of the Rings), who talks about getting into the mind of Caesar the ape, reveals the origin of Gollum's creepy voice, and teases us ever-so-slightly about his upcoming role in Star Wars VII.

What do you think is "the worst"? Let comedian and top-notch ranter Lewis Black (The Daily Show) tell you what he thinks is the worst, from child beauty pageants to soy lattes to Donald Trump. Plus, sing pop songs with the grammatical tendencies of Cookie Monster, and a certain R. Kelly hit becomes "Me Believe Me Can Fly."

This episode is full of subjects known to put fear (or, for some, joy) into your hearts: philosophy, history, math. But fret not. We've put our own spin on them, and injected healthy doses of comedy, music, pop culture and puns. Amid these grueling rounds, get into the head of puzzle editor Art Chung, who reveals the process behind creating the show's games.

Sing along in a round with Jonathan Coulton and Oscar-winning Frozen songwriters Bobby Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez. Happy holidays! In other news, you just learned what a ha'penny is. Because you heard it in the song, and Googled it. You're welcome. Hear the full 2014 Holiday Spectacular episode on iTunes, Stitcher, TuneIn and askmeanother.npr.org.

It's the most wonderful time of year: the Ask Me Another Holiday Spectacular! This year, we want to celebrate our contestants by highlighting those who give us the wrong answers, but do it in spectacular style. So next time you don't know the right answer, just take a cue from these fine folks. Hear the full Holiday episode starting Thursday, December 18th. Music: "I Don't Know How To Drive" by Julian Velard. "Ask Me Another Theme" by Jonathan Coulton.

(Rebroadcast) You're in for a hilarious religious experience this week, as our Very Important Puzzler, comedian Mike Birbiglia, shares some bizarre personal tales, including why he once considered becoming a priest.

This week on the show, break the rules of spelling, sing along to our re-write of Lorde's "Royals" (that is about actual royalty), and, if it pleases the court, test your knowledge of cliché legal phrases with star of Benched and Happy Endings, Eliza Coupe.

(Rebroadcast, Episode 307) Eat, pray and love your way through games about Italian foods, oddly-named deities and the best part of any newspaper--the funny pages--with V.I.P. and bestselling author Elizabeth Gilbert.

Neil Gaiman says that he is working on issue #26 of Miracleman, the lapsed comic series he worked on in the 1990s with artist Mark Buckingham. Rumors have flown around the comics community for years — here, he confirms that the series shall return. Plus, hear what happens when Neil attempts to classify his writing. It's nearly impossible. Hear the full episode with VIP Neil Gaiman, "The Model of a Modern Major Game Show," now.

Ask Me Another dons its mask and cape for a super special episode recorded live at New York Comic Con Super Week. In this love letter to comic book nerds and the people who love them, author Neil Gaiman sings 19th century operettas, stumps his fans, and discusses his fandoms: beekeeping, and Gilbert & Sullivan.

Ethan Hawke discusses Robin Williams, his Dead Poets Society co-star, and Seymour Bernstein, the subject of his new documentary Seymore: An Introduction. Although he met them 30 years apart, Hawke considers both of them his mentors.

In honor of Ethan Hawke's birthday (Nov. 6th), we let him be a little racy on public radio. Ask Me Another host Ophira Eisenberg wonders if future directors will try to trump the Boyhood model — a movie filmed over 12 years — by making movies over even longer periods of time. Then Ethan has an idea. Hear more from Ethan Hawke in our most recent episode, "Puzzlehood."

Ethan Hawke talks about the challenges of maintaining a successful acting career over several decades...and making a movie, Boyhood, over the course of 12 years. Plus: you've never heard Rick Astley like how Jonathan Coulton sings Rick Astley.

(Rebroadcsat, Episode 303) Inspired by this week's Very Important Puzzler, the best-selling children's horror author R.L. Stine (Goosebumps, Fear Street), the games in this show have been designed to scare the answers out of you. Find out what zombies eat when they run out of brains, test your Looney Tunes knowledge through a revised rendition of "Sympathy For The Devil" and find out what else Edgar Allen Poe's Raven has been quoth'ing on about. Plus: what scares the man whose job it is to scare kids of all ages?

Oct 30, 2014

AMA Bonus: Lobster Pee, The Best Piece Of Trivia You Learned This Week

In this debut segment of "The Best Piece Of Trivia You Learned This Week," find out whether lobsters actually pee out of their faces. Share with us the best piece of trivia YOU learned this week by visiting our Facebook or Twitter pages: facebook.com/NPRAskMeAnother | twitter.com/NPRAskMeAnother.

In this podcast bonus, enjoy the full version of Lake Street Dive's VIP Challenege, including two extra questions that didn't make it to air. Jonathan Coulton performs some radio hits from the 1990s, but butchers the lyrics. It's up to band members Rachael Price, Bridget Kearney, Mike Calabrese and Mike "McDuck" Olson (and you) to correct them.

Soul-pop band Lake Street Dive reveals how they kill time on their tour bus: singing 90's hits, playing songs on balloons and a game called "Guess Butt." Plus, hear some tunes played live off their album Bad Self Portraits.

In this special video podcast bonus, indie band Lake Street Dive shows off their versatility by leading a game with their favorite tour-bus instruments: balloons. Can you name these squeaky tunes? Hear the full audio episode, with more music from Lake Street Dive, starting Thursday, October 23rd.

To you Canadian listeners: Happy Thanksgiving! Take a breather from all that family catch-up time to check in with fellow Canucks Ophira Eisenberg and Top Chef judge Gail Simmons. They swap stories about their favorite local foods, and the best circumstances in which to enjoy them. (Do YOU know the best time to eat poutine? We bet you do.)

After 11 seasons and many spin-offs, Top Chef judge Gail Simmons has tried a lot of different dishes. "A lot" is actually an understatement. In this podcast extra, host Ophira Eisenberg wanted to know about the worst and the weirdest.

(Rebroadcast, Episode 316) From Milwaukee's Pabst Theater, VIPs Aimee Mann and Ted Leo perform an ode to Brew City. Plus, a tribute to the Happy Days hometown with a round of trivia about other shows that have "jumped the shark."

(Episode 327) Put on some makeup and a wig with John Cameron Mitchell, whose one man show - turned - cult hit film - turned - Broadway extravaganza Hedwig and the Angry Inch won a 2014 Tony for Best Musical Revival. Plus, former contestants return to try to redeem themselves in this “second chances” show.

John Cameron Mitchell (Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Shortbus) compares the Broadway of yesterday (Hedwig debuted in 1998) to the Broadway of today (Hedwig won four Tony Awards in 2014). The full episode with John Cameron Mitchell drops Thursday, September 25th, 2014.

The Aristocrats is the dirtiest, most offensive joke in history — an exercise in extremes for both comedians and audiences alike, and famously told by this week's Very Important Puzzler Gilbert Gottfried. Here, Ask Me Another host Ophira Eisenberg tries her hand at a version devised especially for NPR listeners. Still: NSFW.

This week host Ophira Eisenberg talks with legendary stand-up Gilbert Gottfried about the lines that can’t be crossed in comedy. Then, in his signature voice, Gottfried whispers sweet nothings into your ear in a game about famous romances throughout history.

Comedian Gilbert Gottfried goes deep into stories of Old Hollywood with the guests on his Amazing Colossal Podcast. In this bonus clip, Gottfried recalls some highlights, such as when Boris Karloff's daughter reminisced about Karloff giving Frank Sinatra acting lessons, and David Steinberg told the story of winding up on then-President Richard Nixon's enemies list.

(Rebroadcast, Episode 315) The Oscar-winning songwriters for Disney's Frozen, Bobby Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez, lend their voices to a puzzling parody of "Let It Go," and a fierce V.I.P. game pitting spouse vs. spouse.

How do you get your geek on? If you're Ask Me Another, then you rewrite the lyrics to Daft Punk's "Get Lucky" to be clues about other geeky hobbies. And if you're musical guest Julian Velard, then you break out your vocoder and perform it in your best robot voice. This game originally appeared in Episode 325 "What's The Magic Word?"

(Episode 325) Lev Grossman, this week’s V.I.P. and the bestselling author of the fantasy trilogy The Magicians, explains what happens when wizards lack guidance counselors, and takes you on a trip to the arcade.

Lev Grossman, author of The Magicians trilogy, doesn't mind that his books are often compared to Harry Potter, though decidedly more adult. In fact, he's a Potter fanatic who once got to meet his idol: J.K. Rowling. But: she didn't agree with Lev's assessment of one of her most maligned characters.

(Rebroadcast, Episode 309) What's love got to do with it? A lot, actually. We explore the fuzzy feelings among families, couples and a puzzle guru and his games. Plus screenwriter and author Delia Ephron shares tales from the front lines of the romantic comedy business.

When Linda Holmes and Stephen Thompson, the hosts of the wonderful NPR podcast Pop Culture Happy Hour, came on Ask Me Another, we gave them a game that was, admittedly, kind of hard. Well! Vengeance was sworn against our Ophira and Jonathan. You can hear the vengeance this Friday (8/29/14) when PCHH drops its newest episode, but first, let's revisit that fateful game.

In this exclusive podcast bonus just in time for Shark Week, comedian Anthony Jeselnik explains his own shark controversy and why New Zealanders now all hate him. Catch the full episode this Thursday on the AMA Podcast feed.

(Rebroadcast, Episode 308) In 1955, Varietypredicted rock 'n roll would be dead by summer. Ha! We can't predict the future either, but we caninvite you to learn the ups and downs of hosting a TV show from comic W. Kamau Bell.

(Episode 323) Ann Arbor is a city of many nicknames, and this week we add ‘Puzzleville, USA.’ Listen as Michiganders do math at the movies, try on famous hats and make the sounds of sports mascots. Go Blue!

(Episode 322) Brush up your British slang with Andy Serkis (Dawn of the Planet of the Apes,Lord of the Rings), who talks getting into the mind of Caesar the ape and reveals the origin of Gollum's creepy voice. Warning: This episode contains language that might not be suitable for all audiences.

(Favorites Episode 006) Give your brain the ultimate workout as we revisit more of our toughest games to date — can you name famous commercial jingles when sung in Italian, or insert comic strips into your favorite novels?

Director Doug Liman has strived to include a message in all of his films, whether it's an independent film like "Swingers," or a blockbuster like "Mr. & Mrs. Smith." In this bonus clip from our upcoming episode, host Ophira Eisenberg talks with Liman about how he's tried to convey deeper meanings in his films, the political story behind "The Bourne Identity," and the meaning behind his new film, "Edge of Tomorrow" — how one person can make a difference. Hear the full episode with VIP Doug Liman starting Thursday, July 10th.

Starting in the mid-1980s, They Might Be Giants' John Flansburgh and John Linnell used an unusual method of DIY distribution to share new music with their fans. In this bonus clip from this week's episode, hear them tell host Ophira Eisenberg how they hacked their answering machine, and why. Did you know Ask Me Another has a voicemail box? Call us at 563-ASK-ME-22 (563-275-6322) and record us your own song!

(Episode 320) Brooklyn’s oldest opera house is the stage for a new song from special guests They Might Be Giants, and WNYC’s Radiolab hosts Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich spar over who has to have the last word.

They Might Be Giants and Jonathan Coulton (nerd rock supergroup!) perform "Re: Your Brains" at Brooklyn Academy of Music. Wherever you're listening to this, we encourage you to sing along, like you're a zombie.

We know you listen to Radiolab becuase of its fascinating stories and explorations, but also because its hosts, Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich, have a palpable friendship. In this bonus clip from our upcoming episode, host Ophira Eisenberg talks to them about first impressions, mind-melding, and the one argument that'll never end. Hear the full episode with VIPs Jad and Robert starting Thursday, June 26th.

Hear what it's like to attend a live taping of Ask Me Another! Host Ophira Eisenberg kicks off the show with a short stand-up comedy set that we can't air on the radio. This was recorded at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, as part of RadioLoveFest, with special guests They Might Be Giants. Hear our full episode starting Thursday, June 26th.

(Rebroadcast, Episode 301) Shake things up in our nation's capital with one of D.C.'s music legends. V.I.P Ian MacKaye, of punk bands Fugazi and Minor Threat, shares tales from the road and muses about what "punk" means today. Plus: try out your best Nic Cage impression.

(Rebroadcast, Episode 226) We know you're gearing up to binge-watch the 2nd season of Orange Is The New Black this weekend. In preparation, listen to our interview and game with V.I.P. Piper Kerman, author of the women's prison memoir that inspired the hit show. Plus, hear two Mystery Science Theater 3000 veterans riff on bad movies.

(Episode 318) John Turturro, a regular in films by the Coen Brothers, Spike Lee and explosions-loving Michael Bay, recently hit the director’s chair himself. How will the Quiz Show star fare on a real game show?

John Turturro has held many classic roles: The Big Lebowski, Do The Right Thing, Quiz Show, and more. He was gracious enough to entertain our idea that he reprise some of his most famous lines for a game. Hear an outtake from that, in which he remembers messing with director Michael Bay on the set of Transformers. Plus, Turturro desribes directing Woody Allen in his latest film, Fading Gigolo, for which Turturro starred, wrote the script, and directed. Hear the full episode with John Turturro starting May 29th, 2014.

(Rebroadcast Episode 212) This week, go grocery shopping with celebrities, learn to pronounce some really long German words, and have a little 'pun' with animal noises. Plus, find out about one man's quests to read the encyclopedia from A to Z, live his life according to the Bible, and achieve bodily perfection—author of The Know-It-All and The Year of Living Biblically, A.J. Jacobs. How do you quiz the V.I.P. who knows everything?

Before he was the "King of Partying," musician Andrew W.K. had to start somewhere. In this bonus, he tells a classic showbiz tale of his first — and last — gig at the legendary Cafe Wha? in New York City. Hear the full episode with Andrew W.K. starting May 15, 2014.

(Episode 316) Recorded at Milwaukee's Pabst Theater, this week's episode features VIPs Aimee Mann and Ted Leo, who have formed a band called The Both. Hear their personal ode to Brew City, plus a tribute to the hometown of Happy Days with a round of trivia about other TV shows that have "jumped the shark."

Musicians Aimee Mann and Ted Leo joined Ask Me Another in Milwaukee, WI to talk about their time on the road together as a newly-formed band called The Both. Hear some moments that didn't make the air. Catch the entire episode, "Meet Me In Milwaukee," starting May 8, 2014.

(Episode 315)Fresh off an Oscar win for Disney's Frozen, songwriters Bobby Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez lend their voices to a puzzling parody of "Let It Go," and a fierce VIP game pitting spouse vs. spouse.

Bobby Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez, the Oscar-winning songwriting duo who penned Frozen's torch song, "Let It Go," weigh in on its most memorable covers and parodies. Stay tuned for the full episode of Ask Me Another with Kristen and Bobby, available starting April 24th.

(Rebroadcast, Episode 304) This week, clean up Bruce Willis' Die Hard catchphrase, trivialize some dog breeds, and since no rule of three is complete without the third item, guess celebrities with triple names. Plus, the lovely and talented singer-songwriter Nellie McKay uses both her voice and brain to demonstrate her love of the icon Doris Day.

You may recognize comedian Hannibal Buress from his roles on Broad City and 30 Rock, the latter of which he also wrote for. In this bonus clip from Episode 314: Let's Do This Thing, Buress describes his experience with improv and its spontanaeity, and the genesis of his recurring role on 30 Rock as an eccentric homeless gentleman. For more Hannibal Buress on Ask Me Another, visit askmeanother.npr.org.